The Role of Humans in Yellowstone

Car driving through Yellowstone

Unfortunately, human activity can have many negative effects on Yellowstone’s ecosystem. The presence of humans in the park has caused many animals to become vulnerable to disease. Human interaction with the ecosystem has rapidly spread disease to Yellowstone’s wildlife, which has proven to have adverse effects on populations. Also, humans tend to leave trash in poor areas. Littering is a problem in Yellowstone because it can be ingested by the wildlife and also pollute the park. Trash is not a part of the park ecosystem and should be disposed of properly. In addition, the use of vehicles in the park can affect air quality. While a car’s engine is running, several different types of gasses are emitted that can have poor effects on the environment. Carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxide, solid particles, and other volatile substances are produced by vehicles and go into the air. These emissions can affect the health of wildlife as well as create smog. The use of vehicles can greatly decrease the air quality in Yellowstone. Humans can also upset the nitrogen cycle (discussed on the biogeochemical cycle page) through activities such as the burning of fossil fuels, the use of artificial fertilizers, and sewage dumping.

What About the Future?

Land use in Yellowstone

Yellowstone could undergo a series of changes in the future due to climate change, land use, and invasive species. These factors could dramatically alter the land within the park. Currently, the climate is being monitored around the world. Biologists are taking note of the effects of climate change on ecosystems. In Yellowstone National Park, scientist focus on natural resource monitoring in order to evaluate trends in park resources and status. There are no predictions currently, but Yellowstone’s ecosystem will remain unaffected by climate change for a long period of time. Land use is continually studied to gain information concerning climate change, wildfires, and management of migratory wildlife. Scientist study land use and land cover to understand past, current, and future trend that may affect resources in Yellowstone.

Biologists studying Yellowstone have noted that human intervention in natural ecological processes may be the cause of wildlife disease and mortality. Human activity has caused many diseases to spread into Greater Yellowstone and has resulted in population declines. The most notable is the population decline of wolves and trout. Management interventions have been put in place to combat the spread of foreign disease in such intricate and delicate ecosystems. An example of a foreign disease is Whirling Disease. Whirling disease is caused by a parasite, Myobolus cerebralis, that originated in Europe. Cutthroat trout are very susceptible, which can cause illness in bears and other predators that ingest them.

Photo showing the effects of the disease in the grizzly bear

Photo showing the location of the Yellowstone caldera in red

Many are concerned by the volcanic activity in Yellowstone National Park. The Yellowstone caldera is an incredible volcano located in the northeastern part of the park. The last large eruption occurred 640,000 years ago. Since that time, there have been many smaller explosions that have occurred between 174,000 and 70,000 years ago. Currently, there are three areas of the volcano that could yield potential eruptions. However, this is not likely in the near future. Past eruptions have blanketed parts of North America with ash and debris. If another large eruption took place, similar events could occur. Yellowstone National Park is also home to a many active faults, which is a significant earthquake hazard.

Yellowstone River

As for the immediate future, there is little evidence for alteration of the Yellowstone ecosystem. Current evidence shows that Yellowstone will continue to survive and flourish. However, we should still continue to protect our environment and allow for Yellowstone to remain intact for many years to come.